Invited discussion: "New approach to vascular injection in fresh cadaver dissection" (J Reconstr Microsurg 2004;20:311-315)

Training on skin flap elevation in hand surgery using cadavers embalmed by the saturated salt solution method: effectiveness and usefulness

Thiel embalmed and fresh-frozen cadavers have been mainly used for hand surgery training. We held a training seminar on skin flap elevation using cadavers embalmed by the saturated salt solution method. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of such training and to validate the suitability of saturated salt solution-embalmed cadavers for hand surgery training. Participants were trained in elevation procedures for the oblique triangular, reverse digital artery, reverse radial forearm, and reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flaps. Forty-eight surgeons participated in three seminars (one held in 2017, 2018, and 2019 each). A self-assessment of the participants' confidence levels for their surgical skills was performed before and immediately after the seminar, and the suitability of saturated salt solution-embalmed cadavers was determined in terms of visual perception, tactility, comparison with real-world surgical settings, and usefulness. The confidence level for all skills increased immediately after the seminar. The surgeons reported that the visual perception and tactility of the saturated salt solution-embalmed cadavers were comparable to those of a living body, and the cadavers were rated higher with respect to their usefulness. Hand surgery seminars using cadavers embalmed by the saturated salt solution method are considered useful for training in skin flap techniques.

The Anatomical Basis of the Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap with Iliac Crest

BACKGROUND

Perforator flaps are increasingly used because of advantages including reduced flap bulk, less donor-site morbidity, and more donor-site options. The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) osteomusculocutaneous flap with iliac crest has been one of the most useful flaps used for mandibular reconstruction. However, its use has been limited by its bulkiness and added donor-site morbidity because of the inclusion of an "obligatory muscle cuff" of abdominal muscle. Early results at designing a DCIA perforator flap to circumvent this problem have been varied. Details regarding the location, number, and reliability of DCIA musculocutaneous perforators have been conflicting. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively document the anatomical basis of the DCIA perforator flap.

METHODS

Six fresh bodies underwent whole-body lead oxide injection (n = 12 specimens). Landmarks were identified with radiopaque markers. Dissection, angiography, and photography were used to document the precise course of individual perforators in the flank region. Angiograms were assembled with Adobe Photoshop and analyzed with Scion Image Beta.

RESULTS

An average of 1.6 DCIA perforators with a diameter of 0.7 mm was present in 92 percent of specimens. Perforators were located 5 to 11 cm posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine, 1 to 35 mm superior to the iliac crest, with a perforator zone of 31 cm. The DCIA perfused the medial aspect of the iliac crest.

CONCLUSIONS

This article establishes the anatomical basis of the DCIA perforator flap with iliac crest. This perforator flap, along with a split iliac crest, will likely diminish donor-site morbidity and facilitate oromandibular reconstruction.

A review of vascular injection techniques for the study of perforator flaps

BACKGROUND

With a new era of flap surgery, additional anatomical information is required. The relatively recent interest in musculocutaneous perforator flaps has once again sparked interest in the vascular anatomy of surgical flaps. There are a variety of anatomical techniques available to define the vascular anatomy of tissues of interest. In this article, the authors review vascular injection techniques available and describe the technique currently used in their laboratory.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of vascular injection techniques is summarized. Barium sulfate and lead oxide in particular are reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

This article reviews the historical development of vascular injection techniques, outlines current investigative methods, and expands on a radiopaque lead oxide and gelatin injection method that provides high-quality angiograms.

CONCLUSIONS

The standard method for the study of perforator flap is the lead oxide-gelatin technique. However, other methods can provide complementary information on vascular anatomy.